Chief Chat: Police respond to mental health call, pedestrian accident

On Monday, Sept. 23, at approximately 5:02 p.m. the Rolla Police Department responded to a mental health call in the 100 block of Richard Drive regarding a 91-year-old male who was armed with a pistol.

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By Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse

The Rolla Daily News - Rolla, MO

By Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse

Posted Sep. 28, 2013 at 8:00 AM

By Rolla Police Chief Mark Kearse
Posted Sep. 28, 2013 at 8:00 AM

On Monday, Sept. 23, at approximately 5:02 p.m. the Rolla Police Department responded to a mental health call in the 100 block of Richard Drive regarding a 91-year-old male who was armed with a pistol.

Upon arrival of units on the scene, communication was established with two family members who were inside the residence. After a short time the suspect exited the house at which time he was successfully taken into protective custody.

No one was injured as a result of this call and no shots were fired. The 91-year-old male was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation.

The Rolla Police Department would like to thank the City of Rolla Fire and Rescue, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri S&T Police and the Phelps County Ambulance District for their assistance during this situation.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, at approximately 7:30 a.m. the Rolla Police Department was notified of a report of leaving the scene of an accident near the intersection of Soest Road and Laguille Court near Rolla Middle School.

It was reported that while a 12-year-old male was crossing the road to go to Rolla Middle School, he was struck by a vehicle. The suspect vehicle did not stop after striking the student and left the scene.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the victim inside Rolla Middle School where he was being examined and treated by school officials. The victim was later transported by ambulance to the Fort Leonard Wood hospital. He was later treated and released due to a minor abrasion to his knee.

With the assistance of Rolla Public Schools personnel, the school crossing guard at Mark Twain Elementary and several citizen tips, the suspect was identified and located Sept. 26. The vehicle, described as a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, is owned and was operated by Cindy A. Rivers, 56, of Rolla.

The vehicle was traveling east on Soest Road when it brushed the 12-year-old male who was crossing the street.

No arrest has been made at this time. A report on this incident is being submitted to the Phelps County prosecutor’s office for review.

The Rolla Police Department would like to thank those in our community who provided very useful information that assisted us in solving this case. Although this could have had a much worse result, ultimately no one was seriously injured.

Please let this be a lesson to all of us to exercise extreme caution when driving through our school zones or around any area where pedestrians are present.

The City of Rolla has reposed special trust and confidence in the knowledge, courage, integrity and professional excellence of Spo. Brad Lewis. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the Rolla Police Department, he is therefore promoted to the rank of detective with a date of rank of Sept. 29.

Page 2 of 2 - Brad joined the Rolla Police Department in September of 2010 as a patrol officer in the patrol division and was then reassigned as an investigator with the criminal investigations unit, where he obtained the rank of detective. Congratulations, Brad!

I would like to announce that the Rolla Police Department will be holding the annual bicycle and surplus property auction Friday, Oct. 18, at the Rolla Police Department at 1007 N. Elm St.

The bidding will begin at 1 p.m. and interested buyers should be there by 12:30 p.m. to obtain a bidding card. Previewing will begin 30 minutes before the auction opens.

All items must be paid for at the time of the sale by cash or check only. No credit cards will be accepted. For further information contact, Lt. James Macormic at 573-308-1213.

I would like to take a moment to wish Telecommunicator Jamie Jones best wishes and good luck in her new career choice in that she has accepted a new job a little closer to her home.

Jamie has served in our communications division for the past eight years and will be truly missed by her Rolla police family.

Jamie was a not only a great employee but a pleasant personality as well and a pleasure to work alongside. We will miss her very much. Good luck, Jamie, and don't forget to come see us!

In closing I would like to include an entry from Communications Supervisor Stacey Smith in regards to the tragic loss of Rolla Fire and Rescue member Steve Huffman, who lost his life last week in a traffic crash.

Stacey writes: “It is always difficult to find the right words to express yourself when speaking of a life cut too short. We mourn the loss of City of Rolla Fire and Rescue Engineer Steve Huffman. He has been such a huge part of the local emergency services family. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his home family and his fire fighter families.”